Notepad++ Creator Denies Official macOS Version, Cites Trademark Violation

Notepad++, the popular Windows text editor known for features like line numbering and syntax highlighting, has never been officially available for macOS. Created in 2003 by Don Ho, the software has remained a Windows-exclusive application throughout its 20-year history. Older versions supported operating systems as far back as Windows 95, while the current version officially supports Windows 7 and later.

Last week, rumors of a "Notepad++ for Mac" port circulated online, suggesting an official release from the Notepad++ team. However, Don Ho, the primary author and maintainer of the software, has clarified that the project is not affiliated with the original Notepad++.

In a statement, Ho explained that the macOS version, developed by Andrey Letov, is "using the Notepad++ trademark (the name) without permission."

Notepad++ Remains Windows-Only

The original Notepad++ continues to be developed exclusively for Windows. Its features include:

• Line numbering
• Syntax highlighting
• Customizable interface
• Plugin support
• Multi-language support

The software has maintained a strong user base over the years, with millions of downloads worldwide. Despite its Windows exclusivity, alternatives like Visual Studio Code and Sublime Text have gained popularity among macOS users seeking similar functionality.

Creator Addresses Trademark Concerns

Don Ho’s statement underscores the importance of trademark compliance, particularly for open-source projects. The unauthorized use of the Notepad++ name could lead to confusion among users and potential legal issues for the developer behind the macOS port.

As of now, there is no official Notepad++ version for macOS, and users are advised to download the software only from the official Notepad++ website to avoid counterfeit or malicious versions.